Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Sir Reg Empey said: “The Executive has not met in over a month and will not do so for a further two months, how is this delivering for the people of Northern Ireland?” He also raised concerns over the economy and added: A large amount of non-contentious issues are sitting there because Sinn Fein are effectively using their veto.”

“This is all connected to the devolution of policing and justice. “It is a thing people in Northern Ireland dont want at the moment and we are being held to ransom by Sinn Féin on this. “There are obviously discussions taking place between the DUP and Sinn Féin in the First Ministers office in Stormont Castle but the rest of us are not involved.”